Unique Student Identifier (USI)?

What is a USI and why do I need one? The next time you enrol into a course you may be asked for your Unique Student Identifier (USI) number.

In Australia from 1st January 2015 all students enrolling in nationally recognised training will have their training and results recorded under their USI.

IS ANYONE EXEMPT?

First Aid Courses through Port Lincoln Training will be exempt from collecting your USI at this point as will several first aid companies, due to security concerns for some clients working within defense and national security industries.

Certain individuals may be exempt from requiring a USI if they complete training outside of Australia, and if there are strong valid reasons for applying to not comply.

WHAT DO I THINK OF THE USI REGISTRY?

Personally I think it will be a good tool for future use. I can’t tell you how many times people try to apply for a Refresher course but are not eligible because they have lost their previous certificate – meaning extra work for them. Also, many of us are now required to keep CPD or continuous professional development records; the USI registry will give you access to print out your transcript or an extract of your transcript which will be ample proof for your industry. I also think it is a good move to have all these records online and no longer in paper form, it looks like the government are getting with the times.

If you do not have a Unique Student Identifier, why not apply for one now? You only need to have a basic form of ID such as your drivers licence or Medicare number to register. Keep it in a safe place and then next time you enrol in a nationally recognised course you will be a step ahead of the rest, ready with your USI number. Watch this easy video below to find out how to register: